Committees
Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee
In 2000, Congress signed the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Public Law 106- 393), also known as Payments to Counties, to provide support for counties that have historically depended on income from federal timber programs.
National Forests, like the Allegheny, work with Resource Advisory Committees to improve collaborative relationships between communities and their local forests, and to provide advice and recommendations to the U.S. Forest Service concerning project implementation, utilizing the Act's Title II funding.
The funds may be used for projects that have broad-based support and with objectives that include:
- road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration;
- soil productivity improvement;
- forest ecosystem health improvements;
- watershed restoration and maintenance;
- wildlife and fish habitat restoration, maintenance, and improvement;
- noxious and exotic weeds control;
- native species re-establishment.
Visit the Secure Rural Schools Program's national website for payment information and updates.
What is the Meeting Frequency?
The Allegheny Resource Advisory Committee meets an average of twice per year to consider proposals for Title II spending.
What is the Typical Meeting Length?
Meetings are generally one half of a day
How Are Meetings Conducted?
Meetings can be in-person, virtual, or a hybrid of the two depending on the committee’s needs.
How Long is the Term?
Committee members are appointed to four-year terms by the Secretary of Agriculture
How Many People Are on the Committee?
There are a total of 15 citizens on a Resource Advisory Committee
Appointed members of the Resource Advisory Committee must reside within Pennsylvania and, to the extent practicable, provide balanced and broad representation of interests in the following categories:
Category A:
Five members who represent energy and mineral development; the commercial timber industry; organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups; developed outdoor recreation; off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation; or federal grazing or other land permits or represent nonindustrial private forest landowners.
Category B:
Five members who represent nationally recognized environmental organizations; regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations; dispersed recreational activities; archaeological and historical interests; or nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups, wildlife or hunting organizations, or watershed associations.
Category C:
Five members who are elected state officials; are county or local elected officials; represent Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the Council is organized; are school officials or teachers with knowledge in natural resource management or the natural sciences; or represent the affected public-at-large and/or are employed by a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources, land or water.
- Complete form AD-755 Background Check form.
- Attach a current resume (optional).
- Submit completed AD-755 and resume (optional) by email to dale.readus@usda.gov or by mail to ATTN: Dale Readus, 4 Farm Colony Drive, Warren PA 16365.
Nominees are vetted and reviewed. Please note that this process can take several months.
Applications are due by August 26, 2026.
Contact
Allegheny Resource Advisory Committee Coordinator: Dale Readus
Phone: 814-728-6241
Email: dale.readus@usda.gov
Mail: ATTN Dale Readus, 4 Farm Colony Drive, Warren PA 16365
Upcoming Meetings
The Allegheny RAC does not have an upcoming meeting scheduled at this time. Meeting information including dates, times, agendas, and how the public can join will be posted in the Events calendar.
Current Project Requests
There is not currently a request for proposals. Future requests for proposals will be posted on this website and provided via outreach to the media, partners, and the public.